Neighbors: Community turning into 'frat, sorority party'

ESTERO: Residents in one Estero neighborhood say vandalism and thefts are taking place in the Copper Oaks community. They explained why they're so fed up.

Copper Oaks looks like a seemingly quiet neighborhood but at least one resident says it is very rare to have a peaceful night there.

One homeowner in the community named Liana, who did not want her last name published, says for the past three years college students have been partying, vandalizing homes, and letting unwanted guests through the gate.

"The builders are renting like mad to college kids and this whole community is becoming a big frat sorority party and it's really out of control," she said.

In fact neighbors say right before NBC2 showed up Wednesday night, there was a keg party going on right in the middle of the street.

"At least 30 students, the sheriff had been called out," said Copper Oaks homeowner Diana Cardo.

Cardo heads up the neighborhood watch program and has paperwork that shows Lee County deputies have responded 60 times in the past three months.

Liana explained that she made one of those calls.

"Five young men tried to break down my front door. It was really frightening," she said.

That's why she's taking steps to ensure her own family's safety.

"He's putting up a lot of extra lights around my house because this a poorly lit area here," Liana said.

But homeowners say taking these extra precautions won't fix the problems and they're now looking for answers from developer SH Communities.

"At least listen to the homeowners that have been here and put up with the frustration for the past three years," said Cardo.

A representative from SH Communities left NBC2 voice mail Wednesday saying they will not answer our questions over the phone. They asked for an email with the questions, but never provided an email address.

For now, homeowners say they'll continue to fight for safety in their neighborhood.

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